Damen Shipyards Group has announced that its LST 100 design has been selected by the US Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for the Medium Landing Ship (LSM) programme. Under this initiative, up to 35 LST 100 vessels will be built at US shipyards, strengthening the Navy’s ability to transport and land Marine Corps units in contested environments.

Proven Design

NAVSEA issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the LSM programme in early 2025. Following this, Damen was awarded a Technical Data Package (TDP) for the LST 100 in July. The design has now been chosen as the foundation for the LSM class, with plans for up to 35 vessels to be constructed at American yards. To expedite delivery, the Navy sought a proven, non-developmental sea-going vessel. Having already delivered an LST 100, Damen offered NAVSEA representatives the opportunity to inspect an in-service version of the vessel.

In addition to the US Navy’s selection, the Australian Government also chose the LST 100 for its Landing Craft Heavy programme last year, with up to eight vessels to be built in Australia.

Global Shipbuilding Support

Since 1977, Damen has been providing shipyards around the world with support for building its designs, from licensed designs and materials packages to full construction assistance. More than 150 Damen-designed vessels have been constructed in the US, including the Sentinel Class and Protector Class patrol vessels currently in service with the US Coast Guard.

Versatile Capabilities

The LST 100 measures 100.68 meters in length, with a beam of 16 meters and a draught of 3.58 meters. It is highly versatile, capable of transporting personnel, vehicles, equipment, and cargo, and is suitable for various operations including patrol, landing, survey, reconnaissance, and humanitarian aid or disaster relief missions.

The vessel features a RoRo deck (500m²), a vehicle deck (400m²), and a helicopter deck. It can accommodate 282 personnel and has a top speed of 14 knots, with a range of 3,890 nautical miles at this speed. At an endurance speed of 10 knots, the vessel can cover up to 7,530 nautical miles.

The LST 100’s modular design ensures flexibility, allowing for easy adaptation and upgrades. For instance, by adding a standard 20-meter modular block, the vessel can be enlarged to the LST 120 design during construction.

Strengthening US Partnerships

Damen’s Area Manager Americas, Alan Borde, expressed his enthusiasm for the selection, stating, “We are delighted by NAVSEA’s decision to choose the LST 100 for its LSM programme. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with US shipyards during the construction of these vessels in the coming years. We have long-standing relationships with several of these yards, having supported their construction of Damen designs over the last few decades.”

Borde also thanked the Embassy of the Netherlands in the USA, Damen Naval, and NAVSEA for their support in the process. He added, “The LST 100 has already proven itself in operation, and we are confident it meets the operational requirements of the US Navy.”